James A. McLean
James A. McLean, farmer and surveyor, is a son of Samuel McLean, who was born near Salem, Ross County, and when a young man removed to Washington, in this county. He was married at Chillicothe, to Eliza, daughter of John Robinson, a Ross County pioneer, still living. She bore him seven children, three of whom died in infancy; the others being John, Cincinnatus, lone, and James A.,—all living.
The subject of this sketch was born March 4, 1841, in Washington, C. H., where he was reared, educated, and resided till the spring of 1881. He begaii his career by teaching school; then engaged in civil engineering. He was internal revenue collector and assessor eight years; also served as county surveyor four consecutive terms, his last term expiring January 1, 1881.
In 1862, he was the first to enlist in this county, under the five hundred thousand call, and became a member of Company C, 114th O. V. I. Was engaged with Sherman at Vicksburg, and at the capture of Arkansas Post, on White River, holding the position of orderly sergeant. At the expiration of one year he was honorably discharged, because of ill-health.
In October, 1867, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Charles Briggs. The union was blessed by five children, all living: Nettie, Charles, Lida, Fred, and Mary.
Mr. McLean is a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, and Fayette Chapter, F. & A. M., and Ely Commandery, Knights Templar, of Washington. In the spring of 1881, he came to his present farm, on the Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Railroad, on which Cisco Station is located. The farm consists of four hundred and fifty-three acres, which is being rapidly improved under his careful supervision. He also owns thirty-one acres on the Waterloo pike, three miles from Washington, a residence on Court Street, house and lot on North Street, and a vacant lot on Temple Street, in the city of Washington.
He is at present holding the office of city engineer, and his services are frequently called into requisition by his numerous friends. While turnpikes were being constructed in this county, he, as county surveyor, had general supervision of the work. His present farm is being well drained, and will be farmed to grain and stock. His father died at Washington, in 1852; his mother is still living.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County